KPK sting targets Indonesia customs over import activities

Indonesia’s anti-graft agency (KPK) conducted a sting operation at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in Jakarta on Wednesday in a case linked to import activities involving private sector parties, officials said.

Photo: Generated by Gemini

JAKARTA — KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said several individuals were secured in Jakarta and Lampung as part of the operation.

“The case construction is related to import activities carried out by private parties,” Budi told reporters.

Deputy KPK chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto confirmed the operation took place at the customs office in Jakarta but declined to provide further details, noting the agency has 24 hours to determine the legal status of those apprehended under anti-corruption enforcement procedures.

As of Wednesday evening, the individuals remained under examination.

The development underscores persistent trade compliance and customs clearance risks in Southeast Asia’s largest economy, areas closely watched by businesses navigating logistics costs, import duty obligations and supply chain governance.

Separately, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa described the operation as possible “shock therapy” for ministry officials during a hearing with parliament, referring to broader efforts to strengthen corporate governance and internal controls.

“This may be a shock therapy for our staff,” Purbaya said, adding that he would provide legal assistance but would not intervene in the legal process.

“I will help, but I will let the legal process run as fairly as possible,” he said.

A customs spokesperson confirmed the agency was cooperating fully with the KPK and respecting the ongoing legal process, reiterating its commitment to improving internal monitoring, regulatory oversight and trade compliance mechanisms.

On the same day, KPK also conducted a separate sting operation at a tax office in Banjarmasin related to a tax restitution case, adding to scrutiny over tax administration and fiscal governance.